I have the same question. Is Merling a DE or OLB in the 3-4?
Also, note to Shaun, I think its the other way around. I think the later rounds are for drafting prospects that you like, not positions of need. The early and middle rounds are for filling a certain need if you need it.

It’s all good. In the end they are doing what’s best for the franchise. If they felt that WR or CB was a great need, there were plenty players available in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Also, RB I wouldn’t say it was a need but it is nice to have some security if Ronnie gets injured (again) or Ricky gets suspended (again).

In what other profession can a regular employee just pop – unannounced – into the office of the CEO (or thereabout) and expect that he will make time for him? Parcells is trying to prepare for the draft. Too bad if JT doesn’t like it. If it is true that the Jags only offered a 4th, although keep in mind that Mort is sometimes Parcells’ pet, what does that say about Taylor’s value to teams in the league? It certainly doesn’t bode well for us being able to deal him.

What position do we need help at the most now? The draft helped both sides of the line.
I hope the JT situation is not being made out to be worse than it is by well sorry “The Media”.
I think undrafted WR Bess is a great pickup but don’t we need a solid proven WR? Any thoughts on possible trades or WR being released?

Merling from all reports is a 3-4 defensive end. He is a little big and too slow for LB (275 LBs and room to grow bigger). Also while a solid pass-rusher its not his primary strength. He is best at occupying blockers and stuffing the run. Suggest 3-4 end to me.

As for late round picks, not sure what Ireland has said but general philosophy I have heard is you don’t go for need. Look for players with one specific plus trait. Could be speed, motor, size, or some other. Then see ho you can develop player.

“Why the two runningbacks when the later rounds are usually reserved for need positions? Andd off topic, Mort just said the jags only offered a 4th round pick. You hear anything similar?”
Lex Hilliard might end up at fullback, and they still need competition at that spot. I don’t like taking running backs early, but I’m OK with taking a couple late. They probably need to pick someone off the scrap heap too, for protection considering the uncertain status of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams.
As for a fourth-rounder, I’m not sure. I heard third. Whatever it was, the Dolphins didn’t think it was enough. The JT situation is beyond complicated at this point.

As opposed to telling Jason Taylor what he thinks to his face, Parcells pretends he doesn’t exist. In what other profession is that considered normal management?”
This is the way Parcells operates. I’m with Dave Hyde on this. Parcells and Sparano have a point. They weren’t really consulted on this Dancing thing. They were told that Jason is doing it. At the same time, Huizenga promised Jason that he would take care of him if he wanted to leave. And there really is no reason for Jason to be here.
Parcells’ “retire or play here” stance has backfired, in my view. It made the situation more contentious than it needed to be.

What position do we need help at the most now? The draft helped both sides of the line.”
They need playmakers at receiver and in the secondary. That might have to wait until the next draft. Ginn and Yeremiah Bell (if healthy) have playmaker potential, but that’s about it.

“Give me your prediction. Does JT start the season in Miami?”
No. Unlike others, I will be consistent on this. I have faith the situation will be resolved before then (maybe training camp). And if it isn’t, I think it’s a strong possibility that Taylor(while he would like to play in 2008) will sit it out.

Another question off topic: What’s happened with the Reagan Mauia situation? I haven’t heard or read anything new. The fact that he hasn’t been dumped yet suggests that either he’s not guilty, the evidence is questionable, or Parcells and crew are all talk and no action when it comes to problem players.

All due respect Ethan, Merling may start off as DE, but he’ll end up as OLB. I was hoping you might have some inside info on that as far as timing goes. He did drop into coverage at Clemson, but apparently nobody is aware of that.

I thought I remembered this but had to find it….
Tony Sparano(Introductory press conference):
“First of all, what I believe in is that I believe it’s important that the system fits the players, not the players fit the system. I think that’s important.”
Jeff Ireland(Post Booker trade):
“He didn’t fit the system” .
Discuss!

“Another question off topic: What’s happened with the Reagan Mauia situation? I haven’t heard or read anything new. The fact that he hasn’t been dumped yet suggests that either he’s not guilty, the evidence is questionable, or Parcells and crew are all talk and no action when it comes to problem players.”
Ireland said after the press conference that nothing had changed with the Mauia situation. We’re following it. They took a projected fullback late. Here’s how this works: if the guy can help them, they will find a way to justify what happened. If the guy can’t help them, he won’t.

“All due respect Ethan, Merling may start off as DE, but he’ll end up as OLB. I was hoping you might have some inside info on that as far as timing goes. He did drop into coverage at Clemson, but apparently nobody is aware of that.”
I know he dropped into coverage. But what I’ve heard is that he will play DE here, and that’s what he said as well.

If Wayne pressures Parcells on the JT issue,what are the odds Bill quits?”
None. Too much money coming. And if Wayne applies any pressure, it will be subtle.

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MIKE BERARDINO is still living the dream he first hatched as a young boy growing up in South Florida in the ‘70s and ‘80s. He’s writing about sports for a living. Best of all, he’s doing it in a now-crowded South Florida sports landscape teeming with talent, passion and, yes, sometimes even controversy. As the newest sports columnist at the Sun Sentinel, where he’s worked since February 1998, most recently as a Dolphins beat writer, Mike will draw on his many experiences over the years covering virtually every major sport and event. You name it, he’s been on the scene: World Series, Summer and Winter Olympics, Super Bowls, NBA Finals, NCAA Final Fours, BCS Championships, Wimbledon, the Masters, NASCAR Sprint Cup and on and on. Talk about living the dream. And now, with this new role and a daily blog forum for his many ideas and opinions, it just keeps getting better.